[PaleoIchthyology • 2022] Langlieria smalingi • Second Species of Langlieria (Sarcopterygii: Tristichopteridae) from the Upper Devonian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and A New Phylogenetic Consideration of Tristichopteridae

Langlieria smalingi

Downs & Daeschler, 2022

DOI: 10.1635/053.167.0115 

 

Abstract

A new species of Langlieria is described from the Upper Devonian (Frasnian) Irish Valley Member of the Catskill Formation. The type material was collected from a road cut exposure on the north side of the westbound lanes of Pennsylvania Route 322 west of Port Matilda, Centre County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The new species of Langlieria, the second from the Catskill Formation, is represented by high quality cranial material including parietal and postparietal shields, cheek, principal gular, and lower jaw; fin material; and body scales. The new species is the fourth tristichopterid to be described from the Catskill Formation (after Hyneria lindae, Langlieria radiatus, and Eusthenodon bourdoni) and the first from the Irish Valley Member. It is also the first species of Langlieria with a known record in the Frasnian. Sedimentological and stratigraphic data suggest that the discovery site represents a distal, tide-dominated location within the Catskill Delta system with a greater marine influence than has been reconstructed for the previously described Catskill Formation tristichopterids. A new phylogenetic analysis of Tristichopteridae is presented that is the first to include the new species of Langlieria described here and E. bourdoni from the Cogan House Exit Ramp locality (Famennian, Duncannon Member) along U.S. Route 15/Interstate 99. The 50% majority-rule consensus tree from the analysis supports a highly-nested clade of tristichopterids that includes all of the considered species from the Famennian, with the exception of Heddleichthys dalgleisiensis, and additionally includes the Frasnian Langlieria species that is described here.

Langlieria smalingi

Jason P. Downs and Edward B. Daeschler. 2022. Second Species of Langlieria (Tristichopteridae, Sarcopterygii) from the Upper Devonian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and A New Phylogenetic Consideration of Tristichopteridae. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 167(1); 241-260. DOI: 10.1635/053.167.0115 

 

NEW SPECIES OF ANCIENT FISH DISCOVERED ALONG PENNSYLVANIA ROADSIDE

newsblog.drexel.edu/2022/04/26/new-species-of-ancient-fish-discovered-along-pennsylvania-roadside/

[Botany • 2024] Sclerocactus dawsoniae (Cactaceae) • A New Species from Western Colorado, U.S.A.

Sclerocactus dawsoniae McGlaughlin & Naibauer, 

in McGlaughlin et Naibauer. 2024. 

DOI: 10.3417/2024771

 facebook.com/IUCNcssg

Abstract

Sclerocactus dawsoniae McGlaughlin & Naibauer (Cactaceae), a new species from western Colorado, is described. Sclerocactus dawsoniae is segregated from S. glaucus (K. Schum.) L. D. Benson, differing by having a smaller overall size, fewer spines per areole, an allopatric distribution, and substantial genetic differentiation.

KEYWORDS: Cactaceae, cactus, Colorado, new species, Sclerocactus dawsoniae

Sclerocactus dawsoniae McGlaughlin & Naibauer, sp. nov.

Mitchell E. McGlaughlin and Samantha K. Naibauer. 2024. Sclerocactus dawsoniae (Cactaceae), A New Species from Western Colorado, U.S.A. Novon: A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. 32(1); 79 - 83. DOI: doi.org/10.3417/2024771

 facebook.com/IUCNcssg/posts/912851477536991

Researchgate.net/publication/380064530_Sclerocactus_dawsoniae_a_New_Species_from_Western_Colorado_USA

[Mollusca • 2024] Bathydevius caudactylus • A remarkable bathypelagic Nudibranch (Nudibranchia: Bathydeviidae fam. nov.) from the North Pacific Ocean

 

Bathydevius caudactylus  

Robison & Haddock, 2024 

  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104414

Highlights: 

• We present a previously undescribed genus and species of deep-sea nudibranch.

• It has unique morphology and is not closely related to any known families.

• In a molecular phylogeny, it resolves as a distinct sister to the rest of known nudibranchs.

• The species is bioluminescent and represents the third independent origin of bioluminescence among nudibranchs.

Abstract

We describe an exceptional nudibranch, new to science, from bathypelagic depths in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. More than 100 individuals of Bathydevius caudactylus gen. et. sp. nov. have been observed in the water column at depths between 1013 and 3272 m. Twenty spawning individuals were observed on the seafloor at depths between 2269 and 4009 m. Anatomy, diet, behavior, bioluminescence, and habitat distinguish this surprising nudibranch from all previously described species, and genetic evidence supports its placement in a new family.

 

Keywords: Nudibranch, Bathypelagic, bioluminescence, Deep-sea, New species, New genus, New family

 

 Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov. in situ, from a video frame grab.

 Hood configuration modes for Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov.:
 (a) fully expanded; (b) the hood is closed around an open sphincter; (c) the hood is bi-lobed, closed along its vertical axis; (d) invagination in the upper margin with a pinched projection in the lower margin; (e) the peripheral lip of the hood is rolled back against the outer surface of the bell; (f) in a propulsive pulse.

Systematics

Class GASTROPODA.

Subclass HETEROBRANCHIA.

Order NUDIBRANCHIA

Suborder incertae sedis.

Family Bathydeviidae fam. nov.

Bathydevius gen. nov.

Bathydevius caudactylus sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Bathydevius caudactylus gen. et sp. nov. (Fig. 1) is a mostly transparent, gelatinous nudibranch composed of three distinct regions: the head, supporting a voluminous, bell-shaped oral hood; a body enclosing the internal organs and bearing the columnar ventral foot; and a spatulate tail fringed with 9–16 caudal appendages “dactyls.” The dorsal surface has two stubby, unsheathed rhinophores and a gently curved ridge of gills with the anal opening just posterior to the center of the gill ridge. Ventrally, the body merges into a short, cylindrical foot. Visible through the transparent body, the stomach is typically red, the rugose digestive gland is orange or brown, and in mature individuals, gonadal tissue on the right side of the digestive gland is opaque white.

 

 Etymology: The generic name Bathydevius gen. nov. describes a deep-living deviation, to reflect its diversion from the evolutionary path of its relatives in appearance, molecular signature, and natural history. The species name caudactylus sp. nov. refers to the finger-like projections that line the posterior margin of the tail.

Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov. on the seafloor in the posture associated with the release of an egg-bearing ribbon. Distance between the red laser dots is 29 cm.

 Bioluminescence of Bathydevius caudactylus gen et sp. nov., recorded in situ. Light emanates from the surface of the oral hood and within the dactyls (at left).

Bruce H. Robison and Steven H.D. Haddock. 2024. Discovery and Description of A remarkable bathypelagic Nudibranch, Bathydevius caudactylus, gen. et. sp. nov. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 214; 104414.  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2024.104414

[Paleontology • 2024] Douglassarachne acanthopoda • A remarkable Spiny Arachnid (Arachnida: Pantetrapulmonata) from the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois

 Douglassarachne acanthopoda 

 Selden & Dunlop, 2024

 

DOI: 10.1017/jpa.2024.13 

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of arachnid (Chelicerata: Arachnida), Douglassarachne acanthopoda n. gen. n. sp., is described from the late Carboniferous (Moscovian) Coal Measures of the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois, USA. This is a unique animal with distinctive large spines on the legs. It has a subovate body, a segmented opisthosoma, and a terminal anal tubercle. The legs are robust and appear to have been similar in construction throughout the limb series, with heavy spination of the preserved proximal podomeres. The mouthparts and coxo-sternal region are equivocal. The preserved character combination does not permit easy referral to any known arachnid order, living or extinct, thus the new fossil in placed as Arachnida/Pantetrapulmonata incertae sedis. It contributes to an emerging pattern of disparate body plans among late Carboniferous arachnids, ranging from anatomically modern members of living orders through to extinct taxa, such as the present fossil, whose phylogenetic position remains unresolved.

 Douglassarachne acanthopoda n. gen. n. sp., holotype and only known specimen FMNH PE 91366.
 (1) Photograph of part; (2) explanatory drawing of part; (3) photograph of counterpart; (4) explanatory drawing of counterpart; 1–4 = leg numbers; a t = anal tubercle; e t = eye tubercle; fe = femur; t = tergite. Scale bars = 5 mm.

 Douglassarachne acanthopoda n. gen. n. sp., reconstruction of the possible appearance of the animal in life.

Systematic paleontology

Class Arachnida Lamarck, Reference Lamarck, 1801

Pantetrapulmonata incertae sedis

Genus Douglassarachne new genus

Type species: Douglassarachne acanthopoda new species, by monotypy.

 

The genus is named for the Douglass family who kindly donated the specimen to the Field Museum for study.

 

Douglassarachne acanthopoda new species

Diagnosis: Relatively large arachnid (body length >15 mm) with median dorsal ocular tubercle on carapace, abdominal tergites, anal tubercle, legs bearing many long, curved macrospines.

Etymology: From the Greek αγκάθι, a thorn or prickle, and πόδι, leg, with reference to the very spiny legs of this animal.

Paul A. Selden and Jason A. Dunlop. 2024. A remarkable Spiny Arachnid from the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Illinois. Journal of Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2024.13 

Non-technical Summary: The forests of the late Carboniferous period (about 300–320 million years ago) harbored a great variety of arachnids. In addition to the familiar spiders, harvestmen, and scorpions, there were other, stranger kinds of spider-like animals. Here, we describe a large spider-like arachnid with very spiny legs (presumably to deter predators), from the world-famous Mazon Creek fossil localities of Illinois, USA.

[Ichthyology • 2024] Vexillichthys gen. nov. • A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae)

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus
Vexillichthys atripinnis (Bailey 1959) 

in Armbruster, 2024. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

Abstract

Thoburnia atripinnis is more closely related to Hypentelium (hogsuckers) than it is to other Thoburnia, and its presence in the Barren River of Kentucky is disjunct from that of true Thoburnia. Its unique morphology is unlike that of the easily recognized hogsuckers, making placement of the species within Hypentelium untenable; thus, a new genus is described. The new genus can be separated from all other catostomids by the presence of thin, black, prominent stripes on the body, a large black mark on the anterodist al portion of the dorsal fin, presence of pads ventrally on the leading portion of the pectoral fin, lateral laminae of the dermethmoid angled anteriorly, and the base of the lateral ethmoid narrow.

Pisces, Hypentelium, Moxostoma, Thoburnini, Taxonomy

Live specimens of Vexillichthys n. gen. atripinnis.
A. young in typical coloration (90 mm SL, Salt Lick Creek at Bugtussle Road crossing, Monroe Co., KY, ...) and
B. nuptial specimen, probably female (147 mm SL, Long Hungry Creek, at KY 1333 crossing, Allen Co., KY, ...). Specimens uncataloged.

Photos by M. Thomas.

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus

Type species. Moxostoma (Thoburnia) atripinne Bailey 1959

Diagnosis. Vexillichthys can be separated from all other Catostomids by the presence of well-developed, thin, black stripes on the body and a large, black mark on the anterodistal portion of the dorsal fin. Members of Hypentelium and Thoburnia may have stripes, but the stripes are faint, and the dorsal saddles are darker than the stripes (vs. the stripes darker than the saddles in Vexillichthys). Hypentelium does have dark marks in the dorsal fin, but the fin has bands or blotches instead of a single, large, black area at the anterodistal portion of the fin and the remainder of the fin hyaline. Vexillichthys can be further separated from Thoburnia by lacking a rust-colored, wide lateral stripe. Minytrema also has dark stripes, but these are composed of distinct ...

Etymology. From the Latin vexillum for flag and the Greek ichthys for fish. The dorsal fin has a flaglike pattern and the approximately thirteen alternating dark and light stripes are like the flag of the United States of America. Gender masculine.

Jonathan W. ARMBRUSTER. 2024. A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae).  Zootaxa. 5536(2); 325-335. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

 

[Entomology • 2024] Aciurina luminaria • Discovery of A New Gall-inducing Species (Diptera: Tephritidae) via multi-trait integrative taxonomy

Aciurina luminaria Baine,

in Baine, White, Martinson et Martinson, 2024.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.130171

 

Abstract

Integrative taxonomic practices that combine multiple lines of evidence for species delimitation greatly improve our understanding of intra- and inter-species variation and biodiversity. However, extended phenotypes remain underutilized despite their potential as a species-specific set of extracorporeal morphological and life history traits. Primarily relying on variations in wing patterns has caused taxonomic confusion in the genus Aciurina, which are gall-inducing flies on Asteraceae plants in western North America. However, species display distinct gall morphologies that can be crucial for species identification. Here we investigate a unique gall morphotype in New Mexico and Colorado that was previously described as a variant of that induced by Aciurina bigeloviae (Cockerell, 1890). Our analysis has discovered several consistent features that distinguish it from galls of A. bigeloviae. A comprehensive description of Aciurina luminaria Baine, sp. nov. and its gall is provided through integrative taxonomic study of gall morphology, host plant ecology, wing morphometrics, and reduced-representation genome sequencing.

Key words: Bigeloviae, candle, ddRAD, Ericameria, flame, marshmallow, nauseosa, rabbitbrush, tephritid, trixa, wing

Aciurina luminaria sp. nov.
A holotype lateral habitus B allotype lateral habitus. Difference in eye color is a result of the age of mounted specimen C holotype dorsal habitus D allotype dorsal habitus
E holotype head, anterior F holotype abdomen, dorsal
G–H variation in dorsal abdomen color G mostly orange morph H dark morph.

 

Aciurina luminaria Baine, sp. nov. 

The Candle Flame Gall Tephritid

Diagnosis: This wing pattern of the adult A. luminaria can be distinguished most easily from both A. bigeloviae and A. trixa by the elongate hyaline spot in cell br, consistent dark brown region surrounding crossvein r-m, and lack of dark stripe in anal cell; it further from A. bigeloviae by lack of dark stripe in the postero-distal region of cell m and lack of medial dark stripe in cell cua1 (frequently present in A. trixa also). It differs from the similar-looking A. maculata (Cole, 1919) and A. lutea (Coquillett, 1899) by the hyaline cell bc and hyaline basal region of cell br. The extent of bright orange on the abdomen of many A. luminaria specimens also distinguishes it from A. maculata which has a more red abdomen, and from A. bigeloviae and A. trixa which frequently have a dark orange, brown, or black abdomen. Genitalia structures are highly similar to that of A. bigeloviae, except perhaps for the rounded tips of the prensisetae which differ from illustrations in Steyskal (1984). However, Steyskal describes A. bigeloviae (at the time synonymized with A. trixa and A. semilucida) as being highly variable in male terminalia characters, so this may or may not be reliably diagnostic. The gall can be distinguished from A. bigeloviae and A. maculata by the pointed, teardrop shape, and from all remaining galls in the genus by the thick layer of dense tomentum covering the surface (Fig. 2).

Etymology: The species epithet is a noun derived from the Spanish word for “light” which is specifically used in the southwest United States for small decorative lanterns traditionally displayed during the winter leading up to Christmas. We chose this epithet because the shape of this species’ gall is similar to that of a small flame on a candle, like those inside luminarias. Furthermore, this species’ galls are easiest to find when they are mature, and after the host leaves have dropped, so they are also associated with display in wintertime in the Southwest. The tradition of luminarias is common and adored in New Mexico, the type locality of this species. We elected to use the more widespread term luminaria over northern New Mexico regionally specific “farolito” because the species’ range extends into other regions in the West.

Galls of Aciurina luminaria and A. bigeloviae
A immature A. luminaria galls B internal view of immature A. luminaria gall with early instar larva burrowing into the stem while gall develops C mature A. luminaria galls D internal view of mature A. luminaria gall with full-sized larval chamber
E mature A. bigeloviae galls F internal view of A. bigeloviae gall with a mature larva in the larval chamber.
Side by side comparison of A. bigeloviae (left) and A. luminaria (right) tomentum texture and uniformity G external view H internal view.

Quinlyn Baine, Branden White, Vincent G. Martinson and Ellen O. Martinson. 2024. Discovery of A New Gall-inducing Species, Aciurina luminaria (Insecta, Diptera, Tephritidae) via multi-trait integrative taxonomy. ZooKeys. 1214: 217-236. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1214.130171

[Entomology • 2024] Ceroptres anzui, C. promethei, C. thrymi, ... • One must imagine Sisyphus happy: Integrative Taxonomic Characterization of 22 New Ceroptres Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini)

Ceroptres promethei Nastasi, Smith, & Davis, 

in Nastasi, Smith, Davis, Ward, Brown, Zhang, Rollins, Friesen, Tribull, Forbes et Deans, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5508.1.1

Abstract

We describe new species in the genus Ceroptres Hartig, 1840 (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini) represented by voucher material sequenced by Ward et al. (2024). We describe 22 new species, all authored by Nastasi, Smith, & Davis: C. anansii sp. nov., C. anzui sp. nov., C. bruti sp. nov., C. curupira sp. nov., C. daleki sp. nov., C. dandoi sp. nov., C. demerzelae sp. nov., C. iktomii sp. nov., C. jabbai sp. nov., C. jarethi sp. nov., C. lokii sp. nov., C. lupini sp. nov., C. mallowi sp. nov., C. promethei sp. nov., C. sandiegoae sp. nov., C. selinae sp. nov., C. soloi sp. nov., C. songae sp. nov., C. swiperi sp. nov., C. thrymi sp. nov., C. tikoloshei sp. nov., and C. zorroi sp. nov. After our taxonomic treatment, the genus Ceroptres includes 43 species, all but three of which are known from North America. Among our new species are two reared from cecidomyiid midge galls, an association previously recorded but without valid taxonomic association. We provide new records for two additional previously described species; we record C. ensiger (Walsh, 1864) from Pennsylvania and confirm characters for the male, and we record C. lanigerae Ashmead, 1885 from Texas. We also examined several putative species corresponding to either C. cornigera Melika & Buss, 2002 and/or C. frondosae Ashmead, 1896, which we regard as a species complex that requires elucidation in future studies. To enable further studies on Ceroptres, we provide an updated key to North American females. Overall, we find that species of Ceroptres are host specialists associated with a single host gall species or several galls that are phylogenetically or ecologically related. We suggest that there are many North American species of Ceroptres, possibly hundreds, still awaiting collection and characterization.

Hymenoptera, agastoparasitism, Cecidomyiidae, Cynipini, gall, inquiline

Ceroptres promethei Nastasi, Smith, & Davis

 Louis F. Nastasi, Cecil N. Smith, Charles K. Davis, Anna K.G. Ward, Guerin Brown, Guerin Brown, Y. Miles Zhang, Shannon Rollins, Chris Friesen, Carly M. Tribull, Andrew A. Forbes and Andrew R. Deans. 2024. One must imagine Sisyphus happy: Integrative Taxonomic Characterization of 22 New Ceroptres Species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Ceroptresini). Zootaxa. 5508(1); 1-63. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5508.1.1

 

[PaleoOrnithology • 2024] Avisaurus darwini & Magnusavis ekalakaenis • New Enantiornithine Diversity in the Hell Creek Formation and the Functional Morphology of the avisaurid tarsometatarsus

Reconstruction of an avisaurid (e.g., Avisaurus  darwini). Morphology of the tarsometatarsus suggests that these large birds engaged in raptorial behavior and could carry proportionally large prey. 

 Clark, Atterholt, Scannella, Carroll & O’Connor, 2024

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310686

Illustration by Ville Sinkkonen.

Abstract

Enantiornithines were the most diverse group of birds during the Cretaceous, comprising over half of all known species from this period. The fossil record and subsequently our knowledge of this clade is heavily skewed by the wealth of material from Lower Cretaceous deposits in China. In contrast, specimens from Upper Cretaceous deposits are rare and typically fragmentary, yet critical for understanding the extinction of this clade across the K-Pg boundary. The most complete North American Late Cretaceous enantiornithine is Mirarce eatoni, a member of the diverse clade Avisauridae. Except for Mirarce, avisaurids are known only from isolated hindlimb elements from North and South America. Here we describe three new enantiornithines from the Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation, two of which represent new avisaurid taxa. These materials represent a substantial increase in the known diversity of Enantiornithes in the latest Cretaceous. Re-examination of material referred to Avisauridae through phylogenetic analysis provides strong support for a more exclusive Avisauridae consisting of six taxa. Exploration of the functional morphology of the avisaurid tarsometatarsus indicates potential strong constriction and raptorial attributes. The lower aspect ratio of the tarsometatarsus facilitates a more biomechanically efficient lever system which in extant birds of prey equates to lifting proportionally heavier prey items. In addition, the proportional size and distal position of the m. tibialis cranialis tubercle of the tarsometatarsus is similar to the morphology seen in extant birds of prey. Together with the deeply-grooved metatarsal trochlea facilitating robust and likely powerful pedal digits, morphologies of the hindlimb suggest avisaurids as Late Cretaceous birds of prey.

Systematic paleontology

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Pygostylia Chiappe, 2002

Ornithothoraces Chiappe, 1995

Enantiornithes Walker, 1981

The three fossil specimens (from left to right), Avisaurus  darwini, Avisaurus sp., and Magnusavis ekalakaensis, all of which are represented by a tarsometatarsus. They are all shown to scale with one another.  

Avisauridae Brett-Surman and Paul, 1985

Avisaurus Brett-Surman and Paul, 1985

Avisaurus darwini sp. nov.  

Etymology: The specific name “darwini” is in honor of Charles Darwin, whose momentous research and publications helped define the field of evolutionary biology. Avisaurus darwini, Darwin’s bird lizard.

Reconstruction of an avisaurid (e.g., Avisaurus  darwini). Morphology of the tarsometatarsus suggests that these large birds engaged in raptorial behavior and could carry proportionally large prey.

Illustration done by Ville Sinkkonen.

Magnusavis ekalakaenis gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: In Latin, “Magnus” meaning big, and “avis” meaning bird, and “ekalakaensis” in honor of the town of Ekalaka, Montana, close to where this specimen was discovered. Ekalaka is Lakota for “one who wanders”. Magnusavis ekalakaenis, Ekalaka’s big bird.

Phylogenetic placement of new Hell Creek enantiornithines based on cladistic analysis.
A) A subset of the strict consensus tree focusing on taxa around the Avisauridae, and B) the full 50% majority tree. In the majority tree, the newly diagnosed Avisauridae family is comprised of six taxa, two of which are described in this publication. C) A 1.8 m tall human to scale with A. darwini (maroon), the largest known Early Cretaceous enantiornithine Pengornis (black), a medium-sized early enantiornithine, Imparavis (white), and finally, a minuscule enantiornithine, Elektorornis (smaller inset black). The extant Buteo jamaicensis (Red-tailed Hawk) is shown in grey.

Alexander D. Clark, Jessie Atterholt, John B. Scannella, Nathan Carroll and Jingmai K. O’Connor. 2024. New Enantiornithine Diversity in the Hell Creek Formation and the Functional Morphology of the avisaurid tarsometatarsus. PLoS ONE. 19(10): e0310686. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310686

[Entomology • 2024] Revision of Nearctic Eparces (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae): Description Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., Nomenclatural Notes, and New Records of Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867)

 

Eparces australis 

 Claridge & Dal Pos, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5453.4.5 

 x.com/DDP_Ichneumonid

Abstract

The Nearctic species of the parasitoid wasp genus Eparces are revised. A new species, Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., is described from the southeastern USA. Additionally, nomenclatural comments on the other Nearctic species, Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867) are provided, along with new records for the species from various states in the USA.

Hymenoptera, parasitoid wasp, taxonomy, North America

Brandon Claridge and Davide Dal Pos. 2024. Revision of Nearctic Eparces (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae): Description Eparces australis Claridge & Dal Pos sp. nov., Nomenclatural Notes, and New Records of Eparces quadriceps (Cresson, 1867). Zootaxa. 5453(4); 549-557. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5453.4.5

  x.com/DDP_Ichneumonid/status/1793344441434132713

[Paleontology • 2024] Ardetosaurus viator • A New diplodocine Sauropod from the Morrison Formation, Wyoming, USA

 Ardetosaurus viator

van der Linden, Tschopp, Sookias, Wallaard, Holwerda & Schulp, 2024

 DOI: 10.26879/1380 

  Life reconstruction by Ole Zant. x.com/TheBioBob

ABSTRACT

The Morrison Formation of the western United States is well-known for its high diversity of sauropod dinosaurs. The Howe-Stephens Quarry in northern Wyoming is one of several quarries which has yielded several associated to completely articulated dinosaur specimens, among which a semi-articulated diplodocid specimen, MAB011899, which was excavated in 1993. This diplodocid specimen is represented by posterior cervical, dorsal, sacral, and anterior caudal vertebrae, multiple thoracic ribs, two chevrons, a left coracoid, a left ilium, both pubes and ischia, a left femur, a left tibia, and a left fibula. Through comparative anatomy, we interpret this specimen as a new species of diplodocine sauropod, Ardetosaurus viator gen. et sp. nov. Unambiguous autapomorphies include paired accessory laminae in the spinoprezygapophyseal fossae of posterior cervical and anterior dorsal vertebrae, bifurcating anterior centrodiapophyseal laminae in the anterior dorsal vertebrae, fossae present in the centropostzygapophyseal laminae of the second dorsal vertebra, a low vertebral height/centrum length ratio of the posterior dorsal vertebrae and reduced to absent centroprezygapophyseal laminae in the anterior caudal vertebrae. Local autapomorphic features include single centroprezygapophyseal laminae in the posterior cervical vertebrae and a highly elliptical cross-section of the femoral midshaft. Ardetosaurus viator is the first skeletally mature sauropod specimen described from the Howe-Stephens Quarry. This specimen provides insight into serial variation of vertebral laminae and laminar transitions. Finally, the peculiar morphology of the—often not preserved—first chevron is described in detail, and its possible use in studying sexual dimorphism in sauropods is discussed.

Keywords: sauropod; new genus; new species; Morrison Formation; Diplodocinae; Wyoming

  Skeletal reconstruction of  Ardetosaurus viator MAB011899. Skeletal reconstruction indicating preserved bones (white), excavated bones but subsequently lost (light gray) and not preserved (dark gray). Unknown elements are based on other diplodocines.

Scale bar equals 1 m. Reconstruction by Ole Zant.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

DINOSAURIA Owen, 1842

SAUROPODA Marsh, 1878

EUSAUROPODA Upchurch, 1995

NEOSAUROPODA Bonaparte, 1986

DIPLODOCOIDEA Marsh, 1884

FLAGELLICAUDATA Harris and Dodson, 2004

DIPLODOCIDAE Marsh, 1884

DIPLODOCINAE Marsh, 1884

ARDETOSAURUS gen. nov.

 

Ardetosaurus viator gen. et sp. nov.

 

Holotype. MAB011899: two cervical vertebrae, 10 dorsal vertebrae, sacrum, five caudal vertebrae, eight dorsal ribs, two chevrons, a left coracoid, a left ilium, both pubes, both ischia, a left femur, a left tibia, and a partial left fibula.

Diagnosis. Ardetosaurus viator is diagnosed by the combination of the following autapomorphies: 1) the presence of distinct, paired accessory laminae in the spinoprezygapophyseal fossae (SPRF) in the posterior cervical and anterior dorsal vertebrae, 2) anteroventrally bifurcating anterior centrodiapophyseal laminae (ACDLs) in the anterior dorsal vertebrae, 3) the presence of centropostzygapophyseal lamina fossae (CPOL-f) in the second dorsal vertebra, 4) a vertebral height/centrum length ratio of <2.5 of the posterior dorsal vertebrae, and 5) reduced or absent centroprezygapophyseal laminae (CPRLs) in the anterior-most caudal vertebrae. Ardetosaurus viator differs from all other diplodocines by having unbifurcated CPRLs in the posterior cervical vertebrae and a highly elliptical femoral cross-section. Ardetosaurus viator differs from Amphicoelias Cope, 1878, in lacking the rounded, lateral projections of the neural spine tip and the thin neural spine base in the dorsal vertebrae; from Barosaurus Marsh, 1890, by having tall cervical neural spines, single midline keels, narrower prezygapophyseal rami in the cervical vertebrae, ten dorsal vertebrae, the presence of ...

Etymology. ‘Ardeto’ is an inflection of Latin ārdēre, meaning ‘to burn.’ It refers to the history of some of the elements, which were either fully destroyed in a fire, or still show burn scars from the fire. ‘saurus, ’ Latinized form of the Greek σαῦρος (saúros), meaning lizard or reptile. ‘viator’ is Latin for traveler, referring to the journey of the specimen from the USA, via Switzerland and Germany, to the Netherlands.

Locality and horizon. Ardetosaurus viator comes from the Howe-Stephens Quarry of northern Wyoming, USA. The quarry is dated, based on magnetostratigraphy and correlation with other sections in the Morrison basin (Maidment and Muxworthy, 2019; Maidment, personal communication, 2022) at 150.44 to 149.21 million years old, placing it in the Kimmeridgian Stage of the Upper Jurassic.

 Quarry map of Ardetosaurus viator MAB011899. Excavation map of the Howe-Stephens Quarry, indicating the major finds from 1992-2000. Individual dinosaurs are color coded, and MAB011899 is coded with dark blue, and named ‘Diplodocus Brösmeli’ herein. The red crosses indicate the missing/lost cervical vertebrae. Note the relatively similar color for ‘Brösmeli’ and ‘David’ (SMA 0086), but their significant separation in the quarry.

 Figure is courtesy of the SMA. Quarry sections equal 1 by 0.5 m.

  Life reconstruction of  Ardetosaurus viator MAB011899.

Illustration by Ole Zant.

The skeleton of Brösmeli is on display in the Oertijdmuseum.

  x.com/TheBioBob

Tom T.P. van der Linden, Emanuel Tschopp, Roland B. Sookias, Jonathan J.W. Wallaard, Femke M. Holwerda, and Anne S. Schulp. 2024. A New diplodocine Sauropod from the Morrison Formation, Wyoming, USA. Palaeontologia Electronica. 27(3): a50. DOI: doi.org/10.26879/1380

palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5327-new-diplodocine-sauropod

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[Paleontology • 2023] Melanedaphodon hovaneci • A New Carboniferous edaphosaurid (Synapsida: Edaphosauridae) and the Origin of Herbivory in Mammal Forerunners

 Melanedaphodon hovaneci 

Mann, Henrici, Sues & Pierce, 2023

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30626-8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/369823892

Life reconstruction by Henry Sutherland Sharpe

Abstract

Herbivory evolved independently in several tetrapod lineages during the Late Carboniferous and became more widespread throughout the Permian Period, eventually leading to the basic structure of modern terrestrial ecosystems. Here we report a new taxon of edaphosaurid synapsid based on two fossils recovered from the Moscovian-age cannel coal of Linton, Ohio, which we interpret as an omnivore–low-fibre herbivore. Melanedaphodon hovaneci gen. et sp. nov. provides the earliest record of an edaphosaurid to date and is one of the oldest known synapsids. Using high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography, we provide a comprehensive description of the new taxon that reveals similarities between Late Carboniferous and early Permian (Cisuralian) members of Edaphosauridae. The presence of large bulbous, cusped, marginal teeth alongside a moderately-developed palatal battery, distinguishes Melanedaphodon from all other known species of Edaphosauridae and suggests adaptations for processing tough plant material already appeared among the earliest synapsids. Furthermore, we propose that durophagy may have provided an early pathway to exploit plant resources in terrestrial ecosystems.

Holotype of  Melanedaphedon hovaneci gen. et sp. nov., CM 93778.
(A) Photograph showing the negative relief/natural mould. (B) Digital three-dimensional rendering of the CT data in positive relief. (C) Interpretative drawing of specimen based on micro-CT data and original fossil. Top left corner shows a reconstruction of the skull in lateral view with the preserved cranial elements highlighted.

Anatomical abbreviations: ang angular, art articular, d dentary, j jugal, mx maxilla, pt pterygoid, sur surangular, sp splenial.

Systematic palaeontology

Synapsida Osborn, 1903

Sphenacomorpha Ivakhnenko, 2003 sensu Spindler et al., 2015.

Edaphosauridae Cope, 1882.

Melanedaphodon hovaneci gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis: An edaphosaurid synapsid with the following autapomorphies: long maxilla with 20 tooth positions; marginal dentition consisting of tall teeth with bulbous crowns that have pointed apices; and cutting edges of tooth crowns without serrations. Further differential diagnosis includes: an elongate pterygoid shared with Ianthasaurus but not Edaphosaurus. Palatal shagreen with enlarged teeth on the anterior (palatal) ramus of pterygoid shared with Ianthasaurus but not Edaphosaurus. Differs from Ianthasaurus but shares with Edaphosaurus in having a tooth battery instead of enlarged single tooth row on the transverse flange of the pterygoid. Differs from Gordodon in the absence of a diastema on the anterior end of the maxilla.

Etymology: Generic name derived from the combination of the Greek ‘melanos’ meaning ‘black’ and ‘edaphon’ meaning ‘pavement’ and ‘odon’ meaning ‘tooth’, referring to the dense shagreen on the pterygoid and to the position of the taxon among Edaphosauridae. The specific epithet hovaneci honors George Hovanec who generously donated funds to facilitate the CT scanning of Linton fossils.

Life reconstruction of Melanedaphedon hovaneci gen. et sp. nov. (created by Henry Sutherland Sharpe).

Arjan Mann, Amy C. Henrici, Hans-Dieter Sues and Stephanie E. Pierce. 2023. A New Carboniferous edaphosaurid and the Origin of Herbivory in Mammal Forerunners. Scientific Reports. 13: 4459. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30626-8

 Researchgate.net/publication/369823892_A_new_Carboniferous_edaphosaurid_and_the_origin_of_herbivory_in_mammal_forerunners 

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